The Baltimore Orioles started the season aiming for a championship, but now they’re expected to be sellers ahead of the MLB trade deadline. With just 22 wins, tied for the third fewest in the league, Baltimore doesn’t plan to trade their young core players, but their older veterans and those with expiring contracts might be available.
Cedric Mullins fits this profile and aligns with what the New York Mets need. Jeff Passan named Mullins as the top trade target for the Mets—but what would it cost to acquire him?
Mets’ potential trade package for Cedric Mullins
Mets acquire: Cedric Mullins
Orioles acquire: Nolan McLean (Mets’ No. 6 pick)
The Mets lead the National League in wins, despite Juan Soto having an off year. Although Soto, one of MLB’s top players, is expected to rebound and validate the Mets’ record-breaking contract, the team could still benefit from additional outfield depth to maintain their contender status, even if Soto doesn’t quickly regain his form.
Currently, Tyrone Taylor is the Mets’ starting center fielder. While he excels defensively, his batting average is only .238. Adding a stronger offensive presence makes sense, and Mullins fits that role as a rental player. Mullins started strong in April with 10 home runs and is a speed threat, regularly stealing over 30 bases a season.
Though Mullins cooled off in May and is now on the injured list due to a hamstring strain, he was beginning to regain momentum before the injury. With the Mets’ best chance in recent years to win the World Series—especially if Soto bounces back—they should look to add as much talent as possible.
Who besides Cedric Mullins could be moved in Baltimore?
Mullins is a clear trade candidate for Baltimore. The 2021 All-Star has been with the Orioles’ major-league team since 2018, but he’s now over 30 and in the final year of his contract.
This season, the Orioles have been one of MLB’s biggest letdowns, and Mullins is one of the few players producing enough to potentially bring back a solid trade return.
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Since he’s essentially a rental, the Orioles likely won’t get one of the Mets’ top prospects in return, but Nolan McLean could be a reasonable fit. The Mets picked McLean in the third round of the 2023 draft, and he’s already reached AAA. Baltimore has enough talent to aim for a quick rebound next year rather than completely rebuilding, so adding a near-MLB-ready prospect, especially to bolster pitching, makes sense.
Interestingly, the Orioles have shown interest in McLean before. They actually drafted him in 2022 but didn’t sign him due to medical concerns. Since then, McLean has demonstrated he’s healthy, so Baltimore could look to reacquire the Oklahoma State pitcher.
Besides Mullins, first baseman Ryan O’Hearn also seems like a likely trade candidate, having been Baltimore’s top performer this year. Free agents Zach Eflin, Tomoyuki Sugano, Seranthony Dominguez, and Andrew Kittredge could also be moved.
While the Orioles once boasted a strong farm system with prospects like Jackson Holliday, Adley Rutschman, and Gunnar Henderson, many have moved up to the majors, leaving the system less deep.
Given that this season is effectively lost, it makes sense for Baltimore to rebuild their farm with players who can help them compete again next year.
